Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) are venomous reptiles that typically inhabit southern Australia. In terms of their striking but variable coloration, usually resembling tiger stripes, and being ground-dwelling but excellent swimmers and climbers, tiger snakes are diurnal solitary animals, active on the day but also seen to be active on balmy nights. Though dangerous snakes, they generally avoid humankind and only become hostile when threatened. Their venom is lethal and toxic, consisting of neurotoxins as well as myotoxins capable of causing almost instantaneous paralysis, which presents them with a serious risk to humanity. Tiger snakes found living in coastal wetlands where they regulate populations of various prey species within the respective ecosystems.
Tiger snakes physical appearance
Tiger snakes are named after their remarkable, highly variable coloration, which often looks like the prominent patterns of a tiger. Dark and light bands with a contrasting coloration characterize the appearance of these snakes, ranging from olive to yellow to orange-brown and darkening towards pure jet-black. The color pattern on the body can be very striking, such as dark stripes or bands against a lighter background. Their belly is typically colored light blue and shades of yellows or oranges. This variable coloration aids in their camouflage in various habitats, such as wetlands, scrublands, and forests, and also provides a means of identification for one another during mating.
The physical appearance of tiger snakes varies significantly according to region. Some are mostly yellow, while others are dark or brownish, and the intensity as well as contrast of the stripes do vary. This makes it slightly challenging for the naked eye, without knowledge, to spot the tiger snake.
Tiger snakes habitat and distribution
Tiger snakes are widely spread over southern Australia, but more specific locations include the mainland states of Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. The habitats where they have their natural habitat are along coastal regions, wetlands, marshes, creeks, rivers, dams, etc. They choose those habitats that provide protection, water supply, and suitable food for them. They are known to hide in abandoned burrows of other animals, under large boulders, in dense vegetation, or in tree hollows. Even though they are primarily land animals, they are very good swimmers and usually can be found near water or even in it.
Interestingly, the tiger snake is also capable of climbing trees and bushes. This is an adaptation to habitat and mode of movement that few other ground-dwelling snakes have, giving them an edge when it comes to capturing prey and evading predators.
Tiger snakes venom
The venom of an Australian snake, a tiger snake, is one of the most deadly. Its composition contains neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins, and myotoxins. Neurotoxins attack the nervous system; it paralyses the person and stops breathing, while coagulants can cause difficulties in the blood clotting process. Haemolysins destroy red blood cells, while myotoxins can cause destruction to muscles; thus, a tiger snake bite can be fatal.
Victims of a tiger snake bite may experience localized pain, tingling, and numbness near the site of the bite, followed by rapid symptoms that include difficulty breathing and paralysis. Medical attention should be sought immediately because the victim can die within hours of the bite due to respiratory failure if left untreated. It has been reported that mortality rates for untreated bites range from 40% to 60%, but due to antivenom development, mortality rate is quite less and has dramatically been reduced during the recent period. About 17% of total identified cases in Australia, between 2005 and 2015, belonged to the genus tiger snake.
Tiger snakes are not aggressive towards humans in general, and they will avoid contact unless threatened or cornered. However, when provoked or during a defensive strike, they can be very aggressive and swift, using their venomous bite as a form of defense. When threatened, tiger snakes will often flatten their bodies and raise their heads, positioning themselves for a quick strike. This defensive behavior is designed to intimidate potential threats before they attack.
Tiger snakes diet and feeding behaviour
Tiger snakes are carnivorous and feed on small animals of various kinds. They feed mainly on amphibians, such as frogs, but they will eat reptiles, fish, small birds, and mammals. Tiger snakes are active hunters that can hunt underwater or along the edges of water. They can submerge themselves for up to 9 minutes, hiding them from the prey they stalk at the water’s edge.
Their swimming capabilities or ability to strike fast and accurately, combined with the very poisonous venom, ensures that they can overpower prey much larger than themselves. The venom paralyzes the prey so that it can be swallowed whole. According to the availability, the size of their prey would vary, but tiger snakes have been noticed for the consumption of prey much larger than their head.
Reproduction and life cycle of tiger snakes
Tiger snakes breed during spring, with males commonly fighting with each other over mating rights. After the female has mated, she will deliver a clutch of 20 to 30 young in the summer. The young snakes are totally independent, with no aftercare by the mother. These new snakes can immediately fend for themselves and, indeed, begin hunting small prey shortly after birth.
Tiger snakes: Population and conservation status
The IUCN has categorized tiger snakes as “Least Concern,” and the population number has been stable across most of their range. Nevertheless, they are under various threats, including habitat destruction resulting from overgrazing, soil erosion, water pollution, and wildfires. On top of this, human persecution is another reason these snakes are targeted due to their venomous nature, although tiger snakes typically do not like humans.
Though they are not endangered at the moment, there is a need for continued conservation of these species to prevent further deterioration of their natural habitats. Tiger snakes are important regulators of their prey populations and maintaining their populations is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in the regions they occupy.
In conclusion, tiger snakes are very interesting animals with unique adaptations for survival in the harsh and varied environments of southern Australia. Their potent venom, diverse diet, and ability to thrive in different habitats make them one of the most formidable predators in their range. Despite their danger to humans, these snakes contribute significantly to the biodiversity of their ecosystems, acting as important regulators of prey populations.
Where are tiger snakes found?
Tiger snakes have a non-continuous distribution within two broad areas: southeastern Australia (including the islands of Bass Strait and Tasmania), and southwestern Australia.
Also Read | Watch | Venomous tiger snake found under baby’s toy in Melbourne home on Christmas night
Source Homevior.in
